Objective: To obtain histologic confirmation of lesions suspected of endometriosis at laparoscopy. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Patients in an academic hospital. Patient(s): Women of reproductive age w...Objective: To obtain histologic confirmation of lesions suspected of endometriosis at laparoscopy. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Patients in an academic hospital. Patient(s): Women of reproductive age who complained of chronic pelvic pain. Intervention(s): A total of 122 biopsies were obtained from 54 patients undergoing laparoscopy, after exclusion of other potential causes of pelvic pain. Main Outcome Measure(s): Lack of consistency between laparoscopic and histologic diagnosis of endometriosis, in particular for minimal/mild stages. Result(s): Endometriosis was confirmed by histology in 54% of the excised lesions. Diagnosis was more often confirmed among classic lesions than for all atypical lesions considered together. The histologic diagnosis of fibrosis was the most common among those biopsies, which lacked the presence of endometriosis. The revised American Fertility Association (AFS) scores before and after histologic confirmation differed significantly. In particular, 20 patients in either revised AFS class Ⅰ or Ⅱ were down-graded to stage 0. No single anatomical site turned out to be particularly prone to misdiagnosis at laparoscopy, in comparison to the other sites. Conclusion(s): These results confirm the need of histologic confirmation to obtain a diagnosis of endometriosis. However, the clinical impact of such findings remains a matter of debate.展开更多
Objectives. To determine progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in women with completely resected stage I or II carcinosarcoma of the uterus treated with adjuvant ifosfamide and cisplatin, and to a...Objectives. To determine progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in women with completely resected stage I or II carcinosarcoma of the uterus treated with adjuvant ifosfamide and cisplatin, and to assess the toxicity of this regimen. Methods. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed carcinosarcoma (mixed mesodermal tumor) and no postoperative radiotherapy following complete resection for clinical stage I or II disease. They were to have adequate renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions and performance status of 2 or less. Study entry was to be within 8 weeks of hysterectomy. Patients with previous chemotherapy, or other noncutaneous malignancies, were ineligible. Ifosfamide was administered 1.5 g/m2 intravenously (IV) over 1 h and cisplatin was given 20 mg/m2 over 15 min followed by mesna 120 mg/m2 IV bolus, then 1.5 g/m2/24 h as a continuous infusion. Initial doses (daily × 5 every 21 days × 3 cycles) were reduced by 20% (to 4 days) for myelotoxicity. Results. Nine of seventy- six patients enrolled were deemed ineligible and another two who did not receive protocol treatment were inevaluable. Of the 65 evaluable patients, median age was 65 years; 50 patients (77% ) were stage I and 15 (23% ) were stage II. PFS and OS, respectively, were 69% and 82% at 24 months, and 54% and 52% at 84 months. Overall 5- year survival was 62% . Leukopenia was the most commonly reported, but manageable, toxicity. Conclusion. Adjuvant ifosfamide and cisplatin after primary surgery for stage I or II carcinosarcoma of the uterus is tolerable. In the absence of concurrent controls, the impact on PFS and OS is unclear. Pelvic relapse remains problematic.展开更多
Background and purpose:Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB)phototherapy for early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) has been found to be beneficial in some reports. Although rapid recurrences after discontinuation of therapy app...Background and purpose:Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB)phototherapy for early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) has been found to be beneficial in some reports. Although rapid recurrences after discontinuation of therapy appear to interfere with its efficacy, optimal maintenance schedules for prolonged relapse-free intervals are not discussed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with narrowband UVB in patients with MF. Patients and Methods:All available data that belong to 14 patients (10 male, 4 female; age range, 28-74 years) with histologically proven MF, at disease stages IA-IB (n=10) and IIA (n=4) who received narrowband UVB were retrospectively evaluated. Results:Complete response (CR) was achieved in 11 of 14 cases (78%) after a mean of 25 treatments. Ten of 11 patients were followed up for a median of 22 months (range, 7-43 months) after CR; one patient was lost to follow-up immediately after CR. Eight patients completed the recommended maintenance narrowband UVB therapy protocol. The median duration of maintenance was 18 months (range, 12-30 months). No patient had relapse during maintenance. Mean relapse-free duration was 26.0±9.9 months. Limitations:The number of patients in the study group was relatively few. Conclusion:This study provides evidence that narrowband UVB might be an efficient treatment option for MF patients at stages IA and IB, as well as at stage IIA. Results suggest that using maintenance phototherapy after CR is a logical approach, which may prolong the duration of remission in MF.展开更多
Objective: To assess cognitive function in variant Creutzfe- ldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). We describe the neuropsychological profiles of 10 c ases and compare these data with cross sectional data obtained from patients w...Objective: To assess cognitive function in variant Creutzfe- ldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). We describe the neuropsychological profiles of 10 c ases and compare these data with cross sectional data obtained from patients wit h histologically confirmed sporadic CJD and cases with inherited prion disease w ith confirmed mutations in the prion protein gene. Methods: Patients referred to the Specialist Cognitive Dis orders Clinic at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the National Prion Clinic at St Mary’s Hospital, London for further investigation o f suspected CJD were recruited into the study. The neuropsychological test batte ry evaluated general intelligence, visual and verbal memory, nominal skills, lit eracy skills, visual perception and visuospatial functions, and visuospatial and executive function. Results: The results indicate that moderate to severe cogni tive decline is a characteristic feature of vCJD. Specifically,verbal and visual memory impairments and executive dysfunction were pervasive in all disease grou ps. Nominal skills were impaired in variant and sporadic CJD, significantly so w hen compared with the inherited prion disease group. Perceptual impairment was l ess frequent in the vCJD group than in the sporadic and inherited groups. Conclu sion: This study confirms the occurrence of generalised cognitive decline in pat ients with vCJD. Although decline in cognitive function ultimately affects all d omains, there is a suggestion that some components of visual perception may be s pared in vCJD. The results also suggest that nominal function may be preserved i n some cases with inherited prion disease.展开更多
Background: The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the performance characteristics of endoscopy and EUS in the diagnosis of GI subepithelial masses. Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients referre...Background: The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the performance characteristics of endoscopy and EUS in the diagnosis of GI subepithelial masses. Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients referred for the evaluation of a suspected GI subepithelial lesion were prospectively studied with endoscopy followed by EUS. Size, color, mobility, location (intramural or extramural), consistency (solid, cystic, or vascular), and presumptive diagnosis were recorded at the time of endoscopy. EUS then was performed, and size, echogenicity, location, and presumptive diagnosis were determined. Results: A total of 100 subepithelial lesions were evaluated. Endoscopy had 98% sensitivity and 64% specificity in identifying intramural lesions. Size measurement by endoscopy correlated with size measurement by EUS (r = 0.88). Histology was obt-ained in 23 cases, with the presumptive EUS diagnosis correct in only 48% of cases. Most incorrect EUS diagnoses occurred with hypoechoic 3rd and 4th layer masses. Conclusions: Endoscopy has high sensitivity but low specificity in identifying the location (intramural or extramural) of subepithelial lesions. In addition, EUS imaging alone is insufficient to accurately diagnose 3rd and 4th layer hypoechoic masses, and histologic confirmation should be obtained whenever possible.展开更多
We report two cases of amniotic fluid embolism, confirmed by histological examination. Both patients had an immediate post-partum haemorrhage that required an haemostatic hysterectomy. A typical symptomatology of amni...We report two cases of amniotic fluid embolism, confirmed by histological examination. Both patients had an immediate post-partum haemorrhage that required an haemostatic hysterectomy. A typical symptomatology of amniotic fluid embolism revelated the first case. The patient survived without any sequelae. In the second case, amniotic fluid embolism occurred immediately after the delivery. The patient developed an acute respiratory distress with a shock syndrome. Despite haemostatic hysterectomy and resuscitative efforts, she died 6 days later.展开更多
Objective. To assess the possibility of quantitative determination of bowel wall vascularity using contrast-enhanced (SonoVue ) wideband harmonic imaging ultrasound and the HDI-Lab software in patients with Crohn’ ...Objective. To assess the possibility of quantitative determination of bowel wall vascularity using contrast-enhanced (SonoVue ) wideband harmonic imaging ultrasound and the HDI-Lab software in patients with Crohn’ s disease. Material andmethods. Twenty-one patients (13 F, 8 M, average age 33.8 ± 12.7 years, range 21-60 years) with histologically confirmed Crohn’ s disease and bowel wall thickness≥ 5mm were recruited for the study. All ultrasound examinations were performed using a Philips HDI 5000 scanner. Bowel wall vascularity was determined at the site of maximum bowel wall thickness at baseline and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 s following application of the contrast enhancer SonoVue (1.2 ml) using the HDI-Lab software. Results. The mean length of bowel segments exhibiting increased wall thickness was 122.3 mm (range: 23-350 ± 74.7 mm), with a mean wall thickness of 7.6 ± 1.2 mm. Onset of echo enhancement secondary to contrast medium application was observed after an average 13.4 s (range 7-19 ± 4.2 s).Echo intensity corresponding to maxi.mum vascularity was measured 30 s after application of contrast medium. Maximum average contrast medium uptake was 217.5% (range 118-466 ± 100.1% ). Conclusions. It is possible to quantify bowel wall vascularity accurately in patients with Crohn’ s disease using contrast-enhanced pulse inversion ultrasound (low-MI).展开更多
Background: Worldwide survival data for ductal adenocarcinorna of the pancrea s are the lowest among the 60 most frequent types of organ cancers. Hence publis hed data on long time survivors of this disease are contro...Background: Worldwide survival data for ductal adenocarcinorna of the pancrea s are the lowest among the 60 most frequent types of organ cancers. Hence publis hed data on long time survivors of this disease are controversial. We performed a nationwide study comprising all Finnish patients diagnosed with pancreatic can cer in the period 1990- 1996 who survived for at least five years after diagnos is. Methods: Data on patients registered as five year survivors of pancreatic ca ncer were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry and Statistics Finland. Slid es or paraffin blocks were collected from patients recorded as having histologic ally proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinorna (PDAC) and were re- evaluated in a double blind fashion by three pathologists with special expertise in pancreati c pathology. Results: Between 1990 and 1996, the Finnish Cancer Registry recorde d 4922 pancreatic cancer patients, 89 of whom survived for at least five years. Reviewing this series of patients revealed 45 (49% ) non- PDACs and 18 cases w ithout histological verification. In 26 patients recorded as having histological ly proven PDAC, re- evaluation of histological specimens confirmed PDAC in only 10 patients. Conclusions: This study indicates that (1) the prognosis of PDAC r emains poor and (2) careful histopathological review of all patients with pancre atic cancer is mandatory if survival data are to be meaningful.展开更多
Fluorescence spectroscopy is a promising technology for the detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial precancers and cancers. To date, many investigators have focused on point spectroscopy as an adjunct to diagno...Fluorescence spectroscopy is a promising technology for the detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial precancers and cancers. To date, many investigators have focused on point spectroscopy as an adjunct to diagnostic colposcopy. A device that visualizes the whole field of the cervix is needed for screening. To that end, we have developed a multispectral digital colposcope that works through the colposcope to image with white light, UV excitation at 345 nm, and blue light at 440 nm excitation. Here, we report the pilot study that precedes a Phase I trial. Methods. The MDC system is composed of a light source, a colposcope, and a video rate color CCD camera with a frame grabber and takes approximately less than 1 min to make images of the cervix. Patients were measured at baseline and after acetic acid placement with white light, 345 nm excitation, and 440 nm excitation from the xenon arc lamp. The white light is in the visible spectrum, 345 nm excitation is in the UV spectrum and is not visible, and 440 nm excitation is blue light in the visible spectrum. White light generates a pink image of the cervix. 345 nm excitation, the UV light, excites fluorophores to emit a blue image. 440 nm excitation, the blue light, excites fluorophores to emit a green image. The patients underwent a loop excision procedure and the histopathology was inked and cut into 12 sections by the study pathologists. The histopathologic slides were scanned and the images were then reconstructed into maps. A diagnostic algorithm was calculated. The data were preprocessed, transformed, and analyzed by the K-means clustering method. Disease maps were generated using the algorithm and classifier and compared to white light colposcopy and the blue and green images obtained at 345 and 440 nm. Results. Forty-six patients were measured at four clinical sites. Images were made of the cervix with white light, 345 nm excitation, and 440 nm excitation and are presented in the figures. As the study went on, images improved with improvements in the instrument. The white light and fluorescence images are presented with crudely constructed histopathologic maps and algorithmic maps. At 345 nm excitation, the UV light, histologically confirmed CIN appears darker blue; while at 440 nm excitation, the blue light, histologically confirmed CIN appears lighter green. Conclusions. This pilot study shows that MDC images can be matched to both histopathologic and algorithmic maps. The device and the algorithm are evolving but show promise. A Phase I trial is planned.展开更多
Objective. To investigate the association between ovarian cancer risk and body height, weight, and BMI. Methods. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in China from 1999 to 2000. The study sample included ...Objective. To investigate the association between ovarian cancer risk and body height, weight, and BMI. Methods. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in China from 1999 to 2000. The study sample included 254 cases with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer and 652 controls. Information of adult height and weight at diagnosis, at 5 years before diagnosis and at age 21 years, was collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using unconditional logistic regression analyses. Results. The ovarian cancer risk was significantly increased with higher body weight and BMI at 5 years before diagnosis, but not at diagnosis nor at age 21 years. The adjusted ORs were 1.67 (95% CI = 1.04- 2.67) for body weight >60 kg versus ≤ 50 kg and 1.75 (95% CI = 1.13- 2.72) for BMI ≥ 25.0 versus 18.5- 21.9 at 5 years before diagnosis. There was no association between body height and ovarian cancer risk. Conclusion. Pre-morbid body weight and BMI were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in Chinese women.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the natural history of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in a series of 28 ulcerative colitis patients in whom the search for HCMV was positive. METHODS: A series of 85 patients with moderate...AIM: To evaluate the natural history of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in a series of 28 ulcerative colitis patients in whom the search for HCMV was positive. METHODS: A series of 85 patients with moderate-se- vere ulcerative colitis flare-up were evaluated for a HCMV search by performing a haematoxylin and eosin stain, immunohistochemical assay and nested polymerase chain reaction on rectal biopsies. Among 85 screened patients (19 of whom were steroid resistant/dependant), 28 were positive for HCMV; after remission the patients were followed up clinically and histologically. RESULTS: Among the 22 patients with complete follow- up, in 8 (36%) patients HCMV-DNA persisted in the in- testinal specimens. Among the HCMV positive patients, 4 (50%) experienced at least one moderate-severeflare-up of colitis without evidence of peripheral HCMV. Among the 14 HCHV negative patients, 3 with pouches developed pouchiUs and 5 out of 11 (45%) experienced a colitis flare-up. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that HCHV may remain in the colon afber an acute coltis flare- up despite remission; it seems that the virus is not responsible for the disease relapse.展开更多
文摘Objective: To obtain histologic confirmation of lesions suspected of endometriosis at laparoscopy. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: Patients in an academic hospital. Patient(s): Women of reproductive age who complained of chronic pelvic pain. Intervention(s): A total of 122 biopsies were obtained from 54 patients undergoing laparoscopy, after exclusion of other potential causes of pelvic pain. Main Outcome Measure(s): Lack of consistency between laparoscopic and histologic diagnosis of endometriosis, in particular for minimal/mild stages. Result(s): Endometriosis was confirmed by histology in 54% of the excised lesions. Diagnosis was more often confirmed among classic lesions than for all atypical lesions considered together. The histologic diagnosis of fibrosis was the most common among those biopsies, which lacked the presence of endometriosis. The revised American Fertility Association (AFS) scores before and after histologic confirmation differed significantly. In particular, 20 patients in either revised AFS class Ⅰ or Ⅱ were down-graded to stage 0. No single anatomical site turned out to be particularly prone to misdiagnosis at laparoscopy, in comparison to the other sites. Conclusion(s): These results confirm the need of histologic confirmation to obtain a diagnosis of endometriosis. However, the clinical impact of such findings remains a matter of debate.
文摘Objectives. To determine progression- free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in women with completely resected stage I or II carcinosarcoma of the uterus treated with adjuvant ifosfamide and cisplatin, and to assess the toxicity of this regimen. Methods. Eligible patients had histologically confirmed carcinosarcoma (mixed mesodermal tumor) and no postoperative radiotherapy following complete resection for clinical stage I or II disease. They were to have adequate renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions and performance status of 2 or less. Study entry was to be within 8 weeks of hysterectomy. Patients with previous chemotherapy, or other noncutaneous malignancies, were ineligible. Ifosfamide was administered 1.5 g/m2 intravenously (IV) over 1 h and cisplatin was given 20 mg/m2 over 15 min followed by mesna 120 mg/m2 IV bolus, then 1.5 g/m2/24 h as a continuous infusion. Initial doses (daily × 5 every 21 days × 3 cycles) were reduced by 20% (to 4 days) for myelotoxicity. Results. Nine of seventy- six patients enrolled were deemed ineligible and another two who did not receive protocol treatment were inevaluable. Of the 65 evaluable patients, median age was 65 years; 50 patients (77% ) were stage I and 15 (23% ) were stage II. PFS and OS, respectively, were 69% and 82% at 24 months, and 54% and 52% at 84 months. Overall 5- year survival was 62% . Leukopenia was the most commonly reported, but manageable, toxicity. Conclusion. Adjuvant ifosfamide and cisplatin after primary surgery for stage I or II carcinosarcoma of the uterus is tolerable. In the absence of concurrent controls, the impact on PFS and OS is unclear. Pelvic relapse remains problematic.
文摘Background and purpose:Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB)phototherapy for early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) has been found to be beneficial in some reports. Although rapid recurrences after discontinuation of therapy appear to interfere with its efficacy, optimal maintenance schedules for prolonged relapse-free intervals are not discussed in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with narrowband UVB in patients with MF. Patients and Methods:All available data that belong to 14 patients (10 male, 4 female; age range, 28-74 years) with histologically proven MF, at disease stages IA-IB (n=10) and IIA (n=4) who received narrowband UVB were retrospectively evaluated. Results:Complete response (CR) was achieved in 11 of 14 cases (78%) after a mean of 25 treatments. Ten of 11 patients were followed up for a median of 22 months (range, 7-43 months) after CR; one patient was lost to follow-up immediately after CR. Eight patients completed the recommended maintenance narrowband UVB therapy protocol. The median duration of maintenance was 18 months (range, 12-30 months). No patient had relapse during maintenance. Mean relapse-free duration was 26.0±9.9 months. Limitations:The number of patients in the study group was relatively few. Conclusion:This study provides evidence that narrowband UVB might be an efficient treatment option for MF patients at stages IA and IB, as well as at stage IIA. Results suggest that using maintenance phototherapy after CR is a logical approach, which may prolong the duration of remission in MF.
文摘Objective: To assess cognitive function in variant Creutzfe- ldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). We describe the neuropsychological profiles of 10 c ases and compare these data with cross sectional data obtained from patients wit h histologically confirmed sporadic CJD and cases with inherited prion disease w ith confirmed mutations in the prion protein gene. Methods: Patients referred to the Specialist Cognitive Dis orders Clinic at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the National Prion Clinic at St Mary’s Hospital, London for further investigation o f suspected CJD were recruited into the study. The neuropsychological test batte ry evaluated general intelligence, visual and verbal memory, nominal skills, lit eracy skills, visual perception and visuospatial functions, and visuospatial and executive function. Results: The results indicate that moderate to severe cogni tive decline is a characteristic feature of vCJD. Specifically,verbal and visual memory impairments and executive dysfunction were pervasive in all disease grou ps. Nominal skills were impaired in variant and sporadic CJD, significantly so w hen compared with the inherited prion disease group. Perceptual impairment was l ess frequent in the vCJD group than in the sporadic and inherited groups. Conclu sion: This study confirms the occurrence of generalised cognitive decline in pat ients with vCJD. Although decline in cognitive function ultimately affects all d omains, there is a suggestion that some components of visual perception may be s pared in vCJD. The results also suggest that nominal function may be preserved i n some cases with inherited prion disease.
文摘Background: The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the performance characteristics of endoscopy and EUS in the diagnosis of GI subepithelial masses. Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients referred for the evaluation of a suspected GI subepithelial lesion were prospectively studied with endoscopy followed by EUS. Size, color, mobility, location (intramural or extramural), consistency (solid, cystic, or vascular), and presumptive diagnosis were recorded at the time of endoscopy. EUS then was performed, and size, echogenicity, location, and presumptive diagnosis were determined. Results: A total of 100 subepithelial lesions were evaluated. Endoscopy had 98% sensitivity and 64% specificity in identifying intramural lesions. Size measurement by endoscopy correlated with size measurement by EUS (r = 0.88). Histology was obt-ained in 23 cases, with the presumptive EUS diagnosis correct in only 48% of cases. Most incorrect EUS diagnoses occurred with hypoechoic 3rd and 4th layer masses. Conclusions: Endoscopy has high sensitivity but low specificity in identifying the location (intramural or extramural) of subepithelial lesions. In addition, EUS imaging alone is insufficient to accurately diagnose 3rd and 4th layer hypoechoic masses, and histologic confirmation should be obtained whenever possible.
文摘We report two cases of amniotic fluid embolism, confirmed by histological examination. Both patients had an immediate post-partum haemorrhage that required an haemostatic hysterectomy. A typical symptomatology of amniotic fluid embolism revelated the first case. The patient survived without any sequelae. In the second case, amniotic fluid embolism occurred immediately after the delivery. The patient developed an acute respiratory distress with a shock syndrome. Despite haemostatic hysterectomy and resuscitative efforts, she died 6 days later.
文摘Objective. To assess the possibility of quantitative determination of bowel wall vascularity using contrast-enhanced (SonoVue ) wideband harmonic imaging ultrasound and the HDI-Lab software in patients with Crohn’ s disease. Material andmethods. Twenty-one patients (13 F, 8 M, average age 33.8 ± 12.7 years, range 21-60 years) with histologically confirmed Crohn’ s disease and bowel wall thickness≥ 5mm were recruited for the study. All ultrasound examinations were performed using a Philips HDI 5000 scanner. Bowel wall vascularity was determined at the site of maximum bowel wall thickness at baseline and at 30, 60, 90 and 120 s following application of the contrast enhancer SonoVue (1.2 ml) using the HDI-Lab software. Results. The mean length of bowel segments exhibiting increased wall thickness was 122.3 mm (range: 23-350 ± 74.7 mm), with a mean wall thickness of 7.6 ± 1.2 mm. Onset of echo enhancement secondary to contrast medium application was observed after an average 13.4 s (range 7-19 ± 4.2 s).Echo intensity corresponding to maxi.mum vascularity was measured 30 s after application of contrast medium. Maximum average contrast medium uptake was 217.5% (range 118-466 ± 100.1% ). Conclusions. It is possible to quantify bowel wall vascularity accurately in patients with Crohn’ s disease using contrast-enhanced pulse inversion ultrasound (low-MI).
文摘Background: Worldwide survival data for ductal adenocarcinorna of the pancrea s are the lowest among the 60 most frequent types of organ cancers. Hence publis hed data on long time survivors of this disease are controversial. We performed a nationwide study comprising all Finnish patients diagnosed with pancreatic can cer in the period 1990- 1996 who survived for at least five years after diagnos is. Methods: Data on patients registered as five year survivors of pancreatic ca ncer were obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry and Statistics Finland. Slid es or paraffin blocks were collected from patients recorded as having histologic ally proven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinorna (PDAC) and were re- evaluated in a double blind fashion by three pathologists with special expertise in pancreati c pathology. Results: Between 1990 and 1996, the Finnish Cancer Registry recorde d 4922 pancreatic cancer patients, 89 of whom survived for at least five years. Reviewing this series of patients revealed 45 (49% ) non- PDACs and 18 cases w ithout histological verification. In 26 patients recorded as having histological ly proven PDAC, re- evaluation of histological specimens confirmed PDAC in only 10 patients. Conclusions: This study indicates that (1) the prognosis of PDAC r emains poor and (2) careful histopathological review of all patients with pancre atic cancer is mandatory if survival data are to be meaningful.
文摘Fluorescence spectroscopy is a promising technology for the detection of cervical squamous intraepithelial precancers and cancers. To date, many investigators have focused on point spectroscopy as an adjunct to diagnostic colposcopy. A device that visualizes the whole field of the cervix is needed for screening. To that end, we have developed a multispectral digital colposcope that works through the colposcope to image with white light, UV excitation at 345 nm, and blue light at 440 nm excitation. Here, we report the pilot study that precedes a Phase I trial. Methods. The MDC system is composed of a light source, a colposcope, and a video rate color CCD camera with a frame grabber and takes approximately less than 1 min to make images of the cervix. Patients were measured at baseline and after acetic acid placement with white light, 345 nm excitation, and 440 nm excitation from the xenon arc lamp. The white light is in the visible spectrum, 345 nm excitation is in the UV spectrum and is not visible, and 440 nm excitation is blue light in the visible spectrum. White light generates a pink image of the cervix. 345 nm excitation, the UV light, excites fluorophores to emit a blue image. 440 nm excitation, the blue light, excites fluorophores to emit a green image. The patients underwent a loop excision procedure and the histopathology was inked and cut into 12 sections by the study pathologists. The histopathologic slides were scanned and the images were then reconstructed into maps. A diagnostic algorithm was calculated. The data were preprocessed, transformed, and analyzed by the K-means clustering method. Disease maps were generated using the algorithm and classifier and compared to white light colposcopy and the blue and green images obtained at 345 and 440 nm. Results. Forty-six patients were measured at four clinical sites. Images were made of the cervix with white light, 345 nm excitation, and 440 nm excitation and are presented in the figures. As the study went on, images improved with improvements in the instrument. The white light and fluorescence images are presented with crudely constructed histopathologic maps and algorithmic maps. At 345 nm excitation, the UV light, histologically confirmed CIN appears darker blue; while at 440 nm excitation, the blue light, histologically confirmed CIN appears lighter green. Conclusions. This pilot study shows that MDC images can be matched to both histopathologic and algorithmic maps. The device and the algorithm are evolving but show promise. A Phase I trial is planned.
文摘Objective. To investigate the association between ovarian cancer risk and body height, weight, and BMI. Methods. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in China from 1999 to 2000. The study sample included 254 cases with histologically confirmed epithelial ovarian cancer and 652 controls. Information of adult height and weight at diagnosis, at 5 years before diagnosis and at age 21 years, was collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using unconditional logistic regression analyses. Results. The ovarian cancer risk was significantly increased with higher body weight and BMI at 5 years before diagnosis, but not at diagnosis nor at age 21 years. The adjusted ORs were 1.67 (95% CI = 1.04- 2.67) for body weight >60 kg versus ≤ 50 kg and 1.75 (95% CI = 1.13- 2.72) for BMI ≥ 25.0 versus 18.5- 21.9 at 5 years before diagnosis. There was no association between body height and ovarian cancer risk. Conclusion. Pre-morbid body weight and BMI were associated with an increased risk of ovarian cancer in Chinese women.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the natural history of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in a series of 28 ulcerative colitis patients in whom the search for HCMV was positive. METHODS: A series of 85 patients with moderate-se- vere ulcerative colitis flare-up were evaluated for a HCMV search by performing a haematoxylin and eosin stain, immunohistochemical assay and nested polymerase chain reaction on rectal biopsies. Among 85 screened patients (19 of whom were steroid resistant/dependant), 28 were positive for HCMV; after remission the patients were followed up clinically and histologically. RESULTS: Among the 22 patients with complete follow- up, in 8 (36%) patients HCMV-DNA persisted in the in- testinal specimens. Among the HCMV positive patients, 4 (50%) experienced at least one moderate-severeflare-up of colitis without evidence of peripheral HCMV. Among the 14 HCHV negative patients, 3 with pouches developed pouchiUs and 5 out of 11 (45%) experienced a colitis flare-up. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that HCHV may remain in the colon afber an acute coltis flare- up despite remission; it seems that the virus is not responsible for the disease relapse.